Physician Puts Money Where Heart Run Is

COMMUNITY SPORTS

January 28, 1996|By JEFF RUSNAK Special to the Sun-Sentinel

Dr. Zachariah P. Zachariah, prominent physician, philanthropist and political fund-raiser, hasn't competed in Fort Lauderdale's annual Heart Run since 1981, the fourth year the event was held. He prefers tennis now, even though it plays havoc with his knees, and walking a treadmill.

Nowadays, Zachariah just watches the Heart Run and its 2,000 or so participants keep pace through Holiday Park."

"I get to the finish line first," he said. "I just walk across Holiday Park after the race starts and wait for the runners."

Zachariah, a genial, warm-spirited man, can kid about the race, especially since it is through his generosity that it still exists, its 19th edition of 5K and 10K races set for Feb. 3.

A year ago the Heart Run was wheezing for life after its title sponsor, Alamo Rent-A-Car, ended its support. Zachariah, a Fort Lauderdale cardiologist of Indian origin, came forward to put his money where his heart is. With the race facing an inglorious demise due to a lack of funds, Zachariah, a tireless advocate of proper diet and exercise, pledged $100,000 over a five-year period. "I didn't want the Heart Run to go away," Zachariah said from his office at Holy Cross Hospital, where he is president and director of the Fort Lauderdale Heart Institute. "You can't run without money.

"Exercise is an important part of our daily lives, especially from a heart standpoint. This is one of the most successful races in South Florida. I wanted to make sure it continues."

The race is now officially called the Zachariah Family Heart Run, named in part for Zachariah's wife Rachel, and their two boys, Reggie and Ryan. The beneficiary is the American Heart Association of Broward County, which received approximately $25,000 from last year's race.

Eden Carr, executive director for AHA Broward, said the organization had lost all its funding until Zachariah made his contribution. "We need to make money to fight heart disease and put on a good race," Carr said. "It was in danger of being canceled until he came on board. I would say he definitely saved the day."

The Heart Run has been a centerpiece of the road racing season since its inception in 1978. Arthur Sarakas of Fort Lauderdale has run in each of the previous 18 races, and even shortened his honeymoon one year to participate. "The Heart Run is like a Timex watch," Sarakas said. "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It's gone through so many problems and sponsors through the years. But thank heavens it's still there."

That Zachariah came forward in such a big way is consistent with his upbringing. His father was an Anglican minister who ran an orphanage for the poor and dispossessed in Trivandrum, India. He paid each child's education as long as they kept an A average.

That spirit of community activism has carried on through Zachariah. He's modified the school-lunch program at Pine Crest to be more heart-healthy. In 1989 he helped fund a 10-year program to educate Broward County students about maintaining a strong heart.

Zachariah also oversees the 160 Club at Holy Cross, which hosts monthly lectures encouraging people to keep their cholesterol level below 160. He also gives discounts to patients who stop smoking, lower their cholesterol and keep their blood pressure in check.

Twice, he's been recognized with a day in his honor by the state. He's also active politically as the National Co-Finance Chairman for Republican Senator Bob Dole's presidential campaign.

Supporting an event like the Heart Run will no doubt further Zachariah's reputation as someone who gives back as much as he receives. What he really wants are patients who see the value of a healthy heart and events like the Heart Run.

"There are 2,000 people who run, and another 1,000 or more who watch," Zachariah said. "I want especially those people who watch to get enthusiastic and do some regular exercise. Run, get on a treadmill, do something.

"I would be very happy to be less busy. It's so easy to take care of people who are health-conscious."